A Tribute To the Miners and Their Families of the Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster

I was born and raised in Norther WV. My brother is a coal miner, my uncle, cousins, friends and friends relatives all have work in the mines. This tradegy really hits home. There isn’t a lot of well paying jobs in some areas of WV unless your a doctor or lawyer. Mining pays the bills and helps raise a family.

These men risk their lives everyday. God bless those who were lost and their families. My heart and prayers go out to them.

Now that my tears have faded, thanks juniorjock. My father spent his entire life in the coal mines in Tennessee and Kentucky. My prayers to them and their families started the moment I heard of the tragedy.

-- Bill - If I knew GRANDKIDS were so much fun I would have had them first.

I know what you’re saying about the “tears”, Bill. I’ve never worked in the mines, but I have been underground. It wasn’t very pleasant. It takes a special man to work in the mines. A lot of my friends work for mining companies and I respect them because they know that every day could be their last. All mining communities are a close knit group. We have to be.

I can relate to a lot of that video. I retired after over 2 decades in a coal mine. I saw three union brothers carried out and buried. Coal mining is a dangerous occupation, but more likely than not, this is one tragedy that could have been prevented, and those miners could have returned home to ther families.

-- You can't trust a dog to guard your food.